By Mr. Waqas Ayub Mughal
Head of the CSNN Pakistan Bureau (Karachi)

12 Dead in Pakistan as Protests Erupt Following Assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader

At least 12 people were killed — ten in Karachi and two in Islamabad — as protests erupted across Pakistan following reports of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations were reported in Karachi, Lahore, Gilgit, Islamabad and Dera Ismail Khan, marking a severe escalation of unrest across multiple provinces.

Key Figures:
• 10 dead in Karachi
• 2 dead in Islamabad
• 73 injured in Karachi
• Section 144 imposed across Sindh for one month

Clashes Near the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi

The most serious violence occurred near the U.S. Consulate General on Mai Kolachi Road in Karachi, where protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel. Authorities resorted to tear gas shelling and baton charges in an attempt to disperse crowds gathering outside the diplomatic facility.

According to a statement issued by Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, eight bodies were brought to Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK). Two additional victims later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total death toll linked to the consulate-area clashes to ten.

A total of 62 individuals were injured near the consulate. Victims were transported to several medical facilities, including SMBBIT, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Fatimiyah Hospital.

Additional injuries were reported in Native Jetty, Numaish Chowrangi and Paposh Nagar, bringing the overall number of injured across Karachi to 73. Fourteen individuals remained hospitalised at the time of reporting, six of whom were listed in critical condition.

Section 144 Extended Across Sindh

In response to the escalation, the Sindh Home Department extended the enforcement of Section 144 across the province for one month, effective March 1. The order prohibits protests, demonstrations, sit-ins, rallies, public gatherings, wall chalking and the display of arms.

Registered private security personnel are permitted to carry weapons strictly at designated duty locations during working hours. However, they are prohibited from displaying or brandishing weapons while in transit.

Fatalities Reported in Islamabad

In the federal capital Islamabad, two additional fatalities were confirmed during separate protest incidents. Authorities have not yet released comprehensive details regarding the circumstances of those deaths.

Government Appeal for Restraint

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a public appeal urging citizens to remain peaceful.

“Today is a sorrowful day for the entire Muslim ummah, Pakistan’s public and Iran’s public. My only request is that we all stand together, but please do not take the law into your hands. You may protest, but peacefully.”

Sindh Rangers deployed mobile vigilant teams throughout Karachi, increasing patrols at key installations, diplomatic areas and major transport arteries. Authorities confirmed that individuals involved in acts of violence are being identified.

U.S. Embassy Monitoring Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Islamabad stated that it is monitoring reports of demonstrations at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi and Lahore, as well as potential protests near the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Consulate General in Peshawar.

U.S. citizens in Pakistan were advised to monitor local news, avoid large gatherings, remain aware of their surroundings and ensure that their Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) registration is up to date.